Tire widths.

[VetteHead]

My C4 had 285’s on the rear, I like WIDE tires.

My C5 has 275’s on the rear, I THOUGHT they seemed narrower.

Can anyone tell me what that translates in inches? Just how many inches narrower are the 275’s from the 285’s?

Is it possible to put 285’s on a C5?

Thanks.

Paul

 

[gmjunkie]

My C4 had 285’s on the rear, I like WIDE tires.

My C5 has 275’s on the rear, I THOUGHT they seemed narrower.

Can anyone tell me what that translates in inches? Just how many inches narrower are the 275’s from the 285’s?

Is it possible to put 285’s on a C5?

Thanks.

Paul

Just a couple Quickies Paul!!:rofl1:

Top: 285/40/ZR 17 "C4" Mounted
Bottom:275/40/ZR 18 "C5" Rear Not Mounted,It'll be a little wider mounted!:thumbsup:

The C5's are still a good inch wider on the rear!

 

[VetteHead]

Hi Jesse,

That seems odd. I’ll have to measure mine now.

It just SEEMS like the C4’s were wider.

But still, what do the actual numbers mean in inches?

275 vs 285? How many inches wider?

Hey, I appreciate the fast response Junkie! How the heck are you?

Oh yeah, CD? :shrug01:

This is what I have:

Right rear:
Michelin Radial X Pilot Sport, 275/40 ZR 18, circled 99Y, circled MO, circled E2, 029421, circled 900, DOT FHFP, circled C5T x Circled 4403 (date is 44th week of 2003, VU 539 06-6322-01.

 

[VetteHead]

I JUST measured the rears.

I got 10 inches wide on the rear and 9 inches wide on the front.

Does this seem correct?

 

[Mark Dalton]

Tire widths are measured in millimeters and there are 25 mm to an inch. So 275 - 285 is only a difference of 10 mm or less than 1/2 inch.

 

[Shadow]

Don't forget too, that tire sizing is not an exact science. Every manufacturer will be sllightly different.

IIRC, my 315 Michelin Pilots were wider than the same size Kumo...or vice versa....it's been a while, but you get the drift

Rim width will also make a difference in footprint as will the sidewall design...if any of that crap helps?:wavey:

 

[VetteHead]

Thanks fellas.

The next time I buy rubber I’ll have to ask for advice on the widest tires. I like the wide tires. A Vette just doesn’t look right without wide-a$$ed rear tires.

 

[Mark Dalton]

When I've dealt with places like Tire Rack before, I called them to ask about the largest size tire I could fit on my rims. Usually they'll tell you the same thing the website says, because of liability issues. Sometimes, however, you'll get a cool rep who'll tell you the real deal. Just depends on who you talk to.

 

[VetteHead]

Thanks Mark.
:thumbsup:

 

[LS2POWA]

You can also call a Tire Kingdom, they have charts to tell you what range you can go by width of rim. The problem you'll run into though is at what point can you go wide without sticking past the fenders.

Im in this dilemma now as I am doing a rear wide body on my C6 so I can run a 345 Nitto Invo out back, but I currently run a 18x9.5 (same as Z06, but different offset) up front. Ive seen guys say they run a 275 like a stock Z, but to go from a 245 to a 275 with already not much space up front scares me. If only GM made a Z06 front wide body in fiberglass for base C6 guys an not carbon fiber Id be all over a complete conversion.

 

[gmjunkie]

Thanks fellas.

The next time I buy rubber I’ll have to ask for advice on the widest tires. I like the wide tires. A Vette just doesn’t look right without wide-a$$ed rear tires.

My Kumho ASX's are stock C5 tire size Non Run Flat!!
9 3/8 Wide Front
10 1/4 Wide Rear!:thumbsup:
Have 54.000 miles on the last set,Thought I'd try them again,Rears are shot!!:crazy03:
Never had a flat either,more than I can say for the EMT's!

 

[Shadow]

... If only GM made a Z06 front wide body in fiberglass for base C6 guys an not carbon fiber Id be all over a complete conversion.

The company name escapes me at the moment, but there are aftermarket z06 style front flared fenders in glass that are available.

I'm sure somebody here knows who makes them.:thumbsup:

 

[VetteHead]

Thanks LS2.

Looks like I’m not alone in this dilemma.